BTS Returns: Seoul Concert Marks K-Pop Supergroup’s Comeback After Military Service
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — K-pop sensation BTS returned to the stage Saturday with a free concert in Seoul, drawing over 200,000 fans and marking a significant moment for the group and their devoted fanbase, known as the “Army,” after a four-year hiatus coinciding with mandatory military service for all seven members.
The performance at Gwanghwamun Square, livestreamed exclusively on Netflix, celebrated the release of the group’s fifth album, “ARIRANG,” which sold nearly 4 million copies on its first day, according to their management company, HYBE. The concert launches a global tour spanning the United States, Europe, and Asia, expected to generate substantial revenue.
Despite injuring his ankle during a rehearsal on Thursday, RM participated in the performance with some limitations, HYBE confirmed. The concert began at 8 p.m. Local time (1100 GMT), with 22,000 fans securing free seats in a designated viewing zone and tens of thousands more watching from surrounding areas and via the Netflix stream.
“It will be amazing because it’s been so long that BTS (was) not with us,” said Dallila Di Tullio, a 32-year-old fan who traveled from Italy for the event. Marta Corona, a 25-year-old fan from Poland, expressed her excitement at seeing BTS in person for the first time since a 2019 London performance. “It’s been a even as — I’m exceptionally excited,” she said.
The return of BTS comes at a time of growing global interest in K-pop, as evidenced by the success of animated series like “KPop Demon Hunters” on Netflix, according to pop culture commentator Jung Dukhyun. The group’s impact is expected to be significant, solidifying their position as one of the world’s biggest pop acts.
Authorities implemented stringent crowd control measures, closing streets, roads, and museums, halting subway and bus services, and sealing off surrounding buildings for over 30 hours. Police deployed surveillance vehicles and jamming equipment to prevent unauthorized drone activity, citing global tensions and the large influx of international fans. These measures prompted criticism from some, who argued they were excessive and undermined the symbolic value of performing in Gwanghwamun Square, a historic gathering space in Seoul.
The restrictions forced nearby shops to close and deliveries to pause, while fans began queuing as early as midday, passing through metal detectors at designated entry points. Bernice Sanchez, a 52-year-old fan from Switzerland, expressed frustration with the limitations, stating, “I was hoping to do a little research… Apparently we cannot because they will be asking people to move or not be close.”
South Korean officials are hoping the event will promote the country’s culture and growing soft power. President Lee Jae Myung stated Wednesday that the BTS performance would provide “a special moment that people around the world will remember for long.”
The album “ARIRANG” draws inspiration from a centuries-old folk song considered an unofficial anthem in both North and South Korea. HYBE stated that the album reflects both BTS’s identity and universal emotions such as joy, pleasure, and love. The 14-track record, featuring the lead single “SWIM,” was recorded in Los Angeles after the group reunited following their individual military service commitments.
BTS debuted in 2013 and achieved a historic milestone in 2020 by becoming the first K-pop act to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart with their all-English song “Dynamite.” The group’s members began fulfilling their mandatory military service in 2022, with Suga being the last to complete his service in June 2025.
Analysts at SK Securities predict that BTS’s “ARIRANG” world tour will be the largest K-pop tour in history, with 82 shows planned globally in stadiums accommodating around 50,000 attendees each. Cultural critic Ha Jae-keun anticipates a “second heyday” for the group, citing their strong fandom and the continued global rise of K-pop.